Minister of Finance Petrit Malaj announced today that 2025 marked a major step in Albania’s economic and fiscal consolidation, with economic growth reaching 3.9%.

During a meeting of the Socialist Party’s parliamentary group, Malaj stated that these results stem from ongoing reforms focused on ensuring macroeconomic and fiscal discipline.

He noted that the medium-term growth projection stands at 4%, higher than the Western Balkans’ average of 3%.

“In the past five years, Albania’s GDP has grown by around 20%. This figure, among the highest in the region, reflects the economy’s resilience,” Malaj added.

He emphasized that unemployment has dropped to 8.1%, the lowest level in 30 years, compared to 17% a decade ago. This rate remains below the Western Balkans’ average of 10.3%.

Regarding wages, Malaj highlighted that the minimum wage increased by about 10% compared to 2024. The current average salary is €1,026 in the public sector and €785 in the private sector.

“Through the 2026 budget, the government continued its wage growth policy, raising the minimum wage from 40,000 to 50,000 lek nationwide. For the first time, the public sector’s wage indexation scheme was implemented to strengthen purchasing power,” Malaj explained.

Meanwhile, he noted that public debt in 2025 fell to 53% of GDP, down from 54.2% the previous year.

Citing data from the Bank of Albania, Malaj reported that foreign direct investment reached €1.2 billion during the first nine months of 2025 — the highest level ever for that period, up by €51 million from 2024.

“Over the past five years, Albania has attracted higher levels of foreign direct investment relative to GDP than the average across Western Balkan countries,” Malaj concluded.